Preliminary financial results for 2009 show that the Komax Group saw total sales down approximately 40% compared with 2008 and an expected loss incurred for the year. This is the first loss the company has ever posted. However, its solar business, particularly in its crystalline unit, improved in the second-half of the year, helping the Group to a positive operating position in the fourth quarter. However, after significant new thin-film RD&E work in 2009 and lacklustre demand, the company said it would reduce its headcount in the thin film unit by 30, to match the changed business environment.
With the solar sales bottoming out late last year, Komax is posting preliminary results of CHF 210 million for 2009, down from CHF 342 million in 2008.
New orders received in the second half of 2009 were up by 70% on the very low first-half figure. In total, annual order intake fell from CHF 380 million in 2008 to CHF 220 million in 2009.
Komax anticipates growth in 2010 over the previous year, yet full guidance and 2009 results are not expected to be released until March 24.
